Welcome to the Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy Trainee Funding Opportunity Index. LDFP trainees may qualify for several funding and fellowship opportunities. Please ensure that you review the guidelines for each opportunity and discuss the funding opportunity with your supervisor. Feel free to reach out to the research office for additional questions (Mike Folinas, Sam D’Alfonso, or Lia Cardarelli)

Search Pivot Funding Opportunities Database

Search for various funding opportunities by entering a search term into the Pivot search widget below. Please note this will open up a new tab and may require a login or the creation of an account.

You can take full advantage of all the features Pivot has to offer.  Register for an account to make searching for new and updated funding opportunities easier; you can even set up weekly email notifications that are based on your profile to ensure you do not miss any relevant opportunities.

Graduate Students & Postdoctoral Fellows

Award Explorer

Are you interested in awards at the University of Toronto? Whether you’re thinking of coming to U of T – or you are a current student pursuing undergraduate or graduate studies – this tool can help you explore the diverse funding opportunities that recognize your achievements and financially support your studies.

The graduate and Postdoctoral Awards databases are available here.

Canadian Institutes of Health Research’s (CIHR) - Free online training on patient engagement

Click here to start any module of the course

The Canadian Institutes of Health Research’s (CIHR) Institute of Musculoskeletal Health and Arthritis (IMHA) has developed a set of online, self-directed, free modules related to Patient Engagement (PE) in research! IMHA’s patient partners identified a need for more training in patient engagement and set to work filling the gap for practical tools and resources to help people do patient engagement in research. Modules must be completed in chronological order; after completing each module, you will receive a certificate. While the modules have been developed by IMHA, they are not disease- or condition-specific and are applicable to any research where patient partners are engaged.

Course: A How-to Guide for Patient Engagement in Research

  • Module 1: What is patient engagement?
  • Module 2: The research process: (a) Understanding the research process for patient partners and (b) Supporting patient partners throughout the research process for other members of the research team
  • Module 3: Setting up a research project for successful partnership

  • Module 4: Patient engagement for research teams: (a) Being part of a research team for patient partners and (b) Engaging patients on your research team for other members of the research team

If you have any questions about the training or accessing the modules, please contact imha-iala@cihr-irsc.gc.ca and follow @CIHR_IMHA for related announcements! 

Canada Impact+ Research Training Awards - Postdoctoral Awards

On December 9, the Government of Canada announced the Canada Global Impact+ Research Talent Initiative, which aims to support universities in attracting new postdoctoral fellows from abroad. Part of this broader initiative is the Canada Impact+ Research Training Awards.

These awards are a one-time initiative designed to recruit international or returning Canadian postdoctoral fellows to Canada in eight priority research areas, helping build capacity, strengthen the research ecosystem, and enhance Canada’s global competitiveness.

The priority research areas for this initiative are the following:

  1. Advanced digital technologies (AI, quantum, cybersecurity)
  2. Health, including biotechnology
  3. Clean technology and resource value chains
  4. Environment, climate resilience, and the Arctic
  5. Food and water security
  6. Democratic and community resilience
  7. Manufacturing and advanced materials
  8. Defence and dual-use technologies

Nationally, 400 postdoctoral awards have been distributed across Canadian institutions based on each institution’s share of Tri-agency funding. The University of Toronto, in turn, has allocated its share of these awards to its academic divisions and affiliated hospitals to administer.  The Faculty of Pharmacy has been allocated 1 (one) nomination for this competition.

Eligibility

The federal government has established baseline eligibility criteria for this program. The following requirements reflect the criteria for nominations submitted through the University of Toronto’s allocation.

Nominators (all Faculty members/Principal investigators) must:
  1. Hold an eligible active Tri-agency grant (see list of eligible grants) and receiving a payment or have a planned payment between April 1, 2025, to March 31, 2027); and
  2. Be conducting research within one of the eight priority research areas.

Additional Requirements for Nominators

Nominators recruiting postdoctoral researchers must:
  • Commit to supervising the nominee to completion of their postdoctoral engagement; and
  • Have received endorsement from the Research Office where the postdoctoral fellow nominee will be engaged (for U of T based postdocs).
Nominees (Doctoral Students and Postdoctoral Researchers):
  1. Must not be affiliated with a Canadian institution at the time of nomination;
  2. Must be currently studying or working abroad; and
  3. Proposed research is in one of the eight priority research areas.

Additional Requirements for Nominees

Postdoctoral Researcher Nominees must:
  • Be eligible to commence a postdoctoral (trainee) engagement before March 31, 2027

Value

Postdoctoral awards are valued at $70,000 per year for 2 years.

Deadline

The deadline is February 17, 2026, by 11:59 pm EST.

Application Requirements

1. Secure a Supervisor 

To identify a potential supervisor please see the following link on our website:

https://www.pharmacy.utoronto.ca/faculty 

A supervisor must agree to offer you a Postdoctoral position before you can submit an application for the Canada Impact + Trainee Award. Once you have found a researcher with whom you would like to work you need to e-mail them directly. Your e-mail should include the following: 

 

  • Attach your CV
  • Specifically address the work they are doing and explain why you would like to work in their group. 
  • Give examples of your previous experience and skills and explain why it would help their research. 
  • Explain what you would like to learn working in their research group.

2. Complete the application form (Link below) to which you will upload items 3, 4, 5, and 6 listed below. 

3. Independent Research Proposal from the Candidate (Max two pages, plus up to two additional pages for references/citations) 

  • The independent research proposal should clearly articulate how the proposed work represents a significant departure from or advancement beyond your doctoral research. The proposal should also outline the anticipated long-term impact of the research, including how it contributes to the field and aligns with U of T’s strategic research priorities.

4. Learning Statement from the Candidate (Max 1 page)

  • The statement should describe your professional, academic, and extracurricular experiences/achievements and how these contribute to your learning success and ability to develop and implement an independent research plan (1/2 page); and
  • How the learning you expect to acquire will contribute to your productivity and to the research goals you hope to achieve. Indicate why you decided upon the proposed learning location and what you expect to learn from the learning experience (1/2 page).

5. Supervisor's Statement

  • Describe the complementarity between the research interests/background of the supervisor and candidate, how the proposed research complements the supervisor’s ongoing projects and/or new research directions, and the anticipated mutual benefits; this includes how the collaboration will support the candidate’s transition to research independence and long-term career success.
  • Reveal information specific to the field of study (e.g., benchmarks of excellence, publication norms/standards/practices, impact factor of research contributions) that would otherwise not be known outside the discipline.
  • Provide details regarding the candidate’s proposed research environment, clearly stating the supervisor’s and graduate unit’s commitment. Examples of commitment include (but are not limited to) mentorship, opportunities for collaboration, dissemination, and/or knowledge translation, resources (e.g., funding, facilities, personnel) that will be available to support the candidate as they carry out their proposed research; and how these resources will enable the candidate to establish a sustainable, independent research program.
  • Illustrate the supervisor’s commitment to the applicant’s academic and professional trajectory and development of an independent research program, clearly indicating the resources and/or mentoring activities that are available through the learning environment to support career development.

6. Candidate's C.V. (No page restriction)

  • NIH Biosketch format recommended.

*All documents must be prepared in one PDF, single-spaced Times New Roman 12-point font with margins of 2.5cm.  Please use the following naming convention lastname_firstname_CITA_2025-26.
**Postdoctoral Fellows are required to secure a supervisor before submitting this application**

How to Apply

Interested candidates can submit their applications using the link below. For additional information, contact Sam D'Alfonso at sam.dalfonso@utoronto.ca.

                     Apply Here

 

Centre for Global Disability Studies - Small Grants Fund

The Centre for Global Disability Studies (CGDS) at the University of Toronto Scarborough has grants available for faculty, graduate students, and researchers in your unit.   These easy-to-apply-for grants of $500-1500 can be used for accessible research, knowledge dissemination or community engagement, improving access to academic events, or any aspect of hosting a disability studies event on campus.

Common Questions:

Is my project sufficiently related to disability studies?
The Centre for Global Disability Studies promotes transdisciplinary research that understands disability as a social and political formation and ableism as a historical system of oppression with intersections with racism, colonialism, sexism, and classism. We do not fund medical research or clinical studies. We do fund social science and humanities projects that have a relationship to questions about ableism in the world.

You can see what folks have used small grants for in the past on the website if you need some inspiration. You can also get creative! Here are some ideas:

  • Do you want your published article to be open access but need to pay a fee?
  • Do you need an RA to update your website that helps community members find your research? 
  • Do you need an RA to help you organize a meeting or prepare a letter or video to communicate research findings with research participants or the broader community
  • Do you want to purchase a piece of technology that will help you communicate with research participants? 
  • Do you need a piece of software that will make organizing your research more accessible for you?
  • Do you want to pay a research participant to serve as a community expert consultant for your project? 
  • Do you want to pay a community disability advocate to speak in your working group or department? 
  • Do you want your department colloquium to have live captioning?
  • Do you need to improve the accessibility in the grad student lounge in your department?
  • Are you organizing a campus event on a theme related to disability justice with another organization and need a cosponsor? 

Is my research “global” enough?

  • The small grants are flexible. Please apply. You might hear back suggestions about how you could revise your research plan to be better aligned with anti-racist and anti-colonial justice, but, if you are already considering ableism as a pervasive, transnational system of oppression, your research is eligible. However, grant proposals for research that takes a curative approach to disability and/or does not substantively engage with disability studies will be returned for revision. Moreover, accessible events grants do not need to pertain only to disability studies but can be requested for any campus event.

 Click here to learn more or to apply.

2026-27 CGRS Doctoral (CIHR/ NSERC/ SSHR) Competition

The CGRS D is a scholarship in the Canada Research Training Awards Suite (CRTAS) administered by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC). Scholarships are awarded through national competitions by these three granting agencies. 

The CGRS D program supports and promotes research excellence in a wide variety of disciplines and broad fields of natural sciences and engineering, health and social sciences and humanities, including interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary research. This support allows scholars to concentrate on their doctoral studies more fully, to seek out the best research mentors in their chosen fields and to contribute to the Canadian research ecosystem during and beyond the tenure of their awards. 

Note: CGRS D replaced the former CGS doctoral, agency-specific doctoral awards, and Vanier CGS. 

 Application Process  

Students registered in a U of T degree program at any time between January 1 and December 31 in the year of application, or on an approved leave of absence, must complete the appropriate agency’s online application form and submit it through their current or proposed graduate program at the University of Toronto. Applicants are to contact the unit’s graduate administrator directly regarding the submission deadline and process. 

 NOTE: Agency-specific award competitions (SSHRC Doctoral Fellowship, NSERC PGS D) have been discontinued.  

Applicants must access the online application through the respective granting agency’s portal: 

CIHR CGRS D: ResearchNet; see CIHR instructions.  NSERC CGRS D: NSERC Online System; see NSERC instructions.  SSHRC CGRS D: SSHRC Online System; see SSHRC instructions. 

 

For more information, please contact the Grad Office.

Connaught PhDs for Public Impact Fellowship Program

The Connaught PhDs for Public Impact Fellowship Program offers U of T doctoral students an opportunity to explore the world of public scholarship. Developing a public scholarship initiative allows doctoral students to make connections outside the university through innovative forms of scholarly communication. Fellows focus on engaging the public through their scholarly work. This engagement can take a range of forms, from describing their work in a public forum to partnering with a school, community organization, or cultural institution in an ongoing two-way exchange of knowledge and practices.

Value & Duration

Fifteen scholarships will be awarded, each with a total value of $12,500.00 for one year (12 months) and must be held in addition to a program’s normal funding commitment. The $12,500.00 will be broken down into a $10,000.00 fellowship to be used as a top-up to the recipient’s usual funding package, and $2,500.00 towards project expenses and/or professional development. 

Fellows will participate in a program of specialized skills training in public scholarship, as well as networking opportunities. 

Eligibility

Applicants and recipients must: 

Remain registered full-time PhD/SJD students at the University of Toronto throughout the 2026-27 program duration (i.e., from September 2026 to August 2027, inclusive);  Be in good academic standing; and  Have completed at least the first year of their PhD/SJD program at the time of application (i.e., must be in the second year or higher of their PhD/SJD program at the time of application). 
Note that professional doctoral and flex-time doctoral students are not eligible for this program. 


For more information, please visit the Connaught PhDs for Public Impact Fellowship Program FAQ page.  

Fellows are expected to: 

Complete a public scholarship initiative to be presented at the annual showcase event;   Attend monthly fellows’ meetings;   Participate in program enhancement and evaluation;   Promote the Connaught PhDs for Public Impact Fellowship Program; and   Attend all activities and specifically 75% of the activities in person to build a cohort and community. 

 

Application process

Information Session

The annual program information session occurred on December 3, 2025. You can watch a recording of the session.

Application Form

The deadline to submit applications to SGS will be January 29, 2026 at 5 p.m. ET. No applications may be submitted after this deadline. Complete the 2026-2027 application form (application form opens in new tab).

Application components:

  • Identifying information: Name of applicant, student number, home unit(s) and contact information; Name of supervisor(s) and contact information; Name of Graduate Chair/Coordinator and contact information;  
  • Summary of proposed public scholarship initiative (maximum 500 words);  
  • Description of potential impact of proposed public scholarship initiative (maximum 250 words);  
  • Description of potential implications of proposed engagement with the public (maximum 250 words);
  • Description of EDI considerations (maximum 250 words);  
  • Description of circumstances that have prepared applicant to deliver the proposed public scholarship initiative (maximum 250 words);  
  • Description of proposed timeline (maximum 250 words);  
  • Description of proposed use of the $2,500 allowance, as well as current funding package (maximum 250 words);  
  • Curriculum vitae;  
  • Completed template statement of support from supervisor, co-signed by Graduate Chair/Coordinator, including a statement that the student is in good academic standing (template form provided).  

Application Requirements

The Connaught PhDs for Public Impact Fellowship Program receives a high volume of applications each year. Applications will be subject to an initial screening in the Centre for Graduate Professional Development to ensure that a concrete public scholarship initiative is described, and that a balance of qualified applicants from the humanities, social sciences, life sciences, and physical sciences are sent to the adjudication committee. Applicants are encouraged to ensure they articulate a specific public scholarship initiative in their application to maximize chances of their proposal being sent through to the adjudication committee and selected for the final cohort.  

The adjudication committee will evaluate applications on the following criteria: 

  • Quality and feasibility of proposed public scholarship initiative;  
  • Potential impact of proposed public scholarship initiative;  
  • EDI plan and/or considerations;  
  • Preparedness of the applicant to undertake the proposed public scholarship initiative;  
  • Feasibility of proposed timeline; 
  • Proposed use of fellowship funds. 

Contact

Please direct all questions regarding the fellowship and its application process to cgpd@utoronto.ca.  

Data Sciences Institute – Doctoral Student Fellowship

The University of Toronto Data Sciences Institute (DSI) is pleased to announce a new call for the Doctoral Student Fellowship competition.

Value: $25,000/year

Duration: Up to 3 years

Purpose: DSI Doctoral Student Fellowships support multi/interdisciplinary training and collaborative research in data sciences that include faculty from the University of Toronto and researchers from DSI external funding partner institutions. To be considered for a Fellowship, applicants must pursue a research project that has a data sciences focus, through the development of novel methodology or the innovative application of existing approaches. New for this round, proposed projects must be categorized within at least one of four methodological pillars.

Applicants must identify at least two eligible faculty members from complementary disciplinary backgrounds to serve as co-supervisors, who together can supervise the different multidisciplinary aspects of the proposed research project. At least one supervisor should have a track record supporting the training and development of novel statistical or computational tools.

Application Deadline: January 23, 2026, 23:59 ET

How to Apply: Access the complete application guidelines, online portal, and required templates via the DSI website.

About the Data Sciences Institute at the University of Toronto

The Data Sciences Institute (DSI) is a central hub and incubator for data science research, training, and partnerships at the University of Toronto. Its goal is to accelerate the impact of data sciences across disciplines to address pressing societal questions and to drive positive social change. DSI is focused on training the next generation of data science scholars. To learn more about the DSI, please visit our website: datasciences.utoronto.ca.

Data Sciences Institute – Postdoctoral Fellowship

The University of Toronto Data Sciences Institute (DSI) is pleased to announce a new call for the Postdoctoral Fellowship competition.

OVERVIEW

Value: $63,000 + up to $7,000 towards benefits

Duration: 1 year

Purpose: DSI Postdoctoral Fellowships support multi/interdisciplinary training and collaborative research in data sciences that include faculty from the University of Toronto and researchers from DSI external funding partner institutions. To be considered for a Fellowship, applicants must pursue a research project that has a data sciences focus, through the development of novel methodology or the innovative application of existing approaches. New for this round, proposed projects must be categorized within at least one of four methodological pillars.

Applicants must identify at least two eligible faculty members from complementary disciplinary backgrounds to serve as co-supervisors, who together can supervise the different multidisciplinary aspects of the proposed research project. At least one supervisor should have a track record supporting the training and development of novel statistical or computational tools.

Application Deadline: January 23, 2026, 23:59 ET

How to Apply: Access the complete application guidelines, eligibility requirements, online portal, and required templates via the DSI website.

 

About the Data Sciences Institute at the University of Toronto

The Data Sciences Institute (DSI) is a central hub and incubator for data science research, training, and partnerships at the University of Toronto. Its goal is to accelerate the impact of data sciences across disciplines to address pressing societal questions and to drive positive social change. DSI is focused on training the next generation of data science scholars. To learn more about the DSI, please visit our website: datasciences.utoronto.ca.

Emerging and Pandemic Infections Consortium – 2026 Future Leaders Prizes

The University of Toronto Emerging and Pandemic Infections Consortium (EPIC) is pleased to announce a new call for the Future Leaders Prizes.

Overview

Value: One-time prize of $5,000

Purpose: EPIC Future Leaders Prizes celebrate the best and brightest PhD students who graduated each year among the EPIC research community. These competitive prizes identify the top graduate in each of four streams: applied research, clinical research, fundamental research, and public health research. Nominees will be put forward by a faculty member (typically their supervisor) who must have a primary appointment at the University of Toronto or one of EPIC’s partner research institutes. Prize winners will have submitted an excellent thesis, both in scientific content and communication style, as well as demonstrated a high degree of leadership outside of their scientific pursuits. These merit-based prizes will be awarded by evaluation of the submitted application package.

To be considered for the award, applicants must have:

1. Successfully defended their thesis in 2025
2. Completed a project that has an infectious disease focus aligned with one of the following research areas:

    a) Applied and/or translational
    b) Clinical
    c) Fundamental
    d) Population, global and public health
3. Presented an exemplary scientific thesis that illustrates excellent research, communication skills and impactful findings
4. Demonstrated a track record of undertaking leadership or advocacy roles within the scientific community and/or in community engagement
5. Have a faculty supervisor whose primary affiliation is at U of T or one of EPIC’s partner hospitals (the Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute,
    Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute at Sinai Health, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Unity Health Toronto and the University Health Network)

Application Deadline

January 23rd, 2026, 11:59 pm (ET)

How to Apply:

Access the complete nomination guidelines and online form via EPIC’s website.


About the Emerging and Pandemic Infections Consortium at the University of Toronto
The Emerging and Pandemic Infections Consortium (EPIC) is a partnership between the University of Toronto and five hospital research partners — the Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute, Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute at Sinai Health, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Unity Health Toronto and the University Health Network. EPIC brings together researchers from different disciplines to facilitate an integrated and innovative response to high-risk, high-burden infectious diseases. As Canada’s leading initiative for transformative infectious diseases research, EPIC is linking academic researchers with industry and government partners, training the next generation of research leaders and advocating for science-based policies. For questions or more information, please visit our website or contact epic@utoronto.ca.
LDFP Postdoctoral Competitive Research Award (PCRA) 

The Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy Postdoctoral Competitive Research Award (PCRA) is a prestigious funding opportunity offered by the University of Toronto to support outstanding postdoctoral scholars in advancing their research careers. This program is designed to provide postdoctoral fellows with the autonomy and resources necessary to develop and lead an independent research agenda that is distinct from, yet complementary to, their supervisor’s work. 

The primary goal of the PCRA is to bridge the critical gap between doctoral training and independent academic careers. By offering financial support and recognition, the award enables postdoctoral scholars to strengthen their research expertise, build leadership skills, and position themselves for future faculty appointments or research-intensive roles in academia, industry, or government. 

Recipients of this award will benefit from access to world-class research facilities, collaboration with leading faculty members, and tailored professional development opportunities. The program fosters innovation, creativity, and scholarly excellence within an inclusive and vibrant academic community. Ultimately, the PCRA aims to empower postdoctoral researchers to make significant contributions to their fields while establishing themselves as independent investigators. 

Eligibility 

This award is open to both domestic and international candidates. The following criteria are the minimum LDFP eligibility requirements for applicants and successful recipients.  

Applicants must: 

  • Be engaged, or expect to be engaged as a postdoctoral fellow (employee or trainee) of the Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy (teaching hospital postdocs are not employees of the university); 

  • Have demonstrated academic excellence, capacity to conceptualize and execute independent research beyond their doctoral work, and evidence of intellectual leadership in their chosen field (as defined by LDFP); and

  • Complete all doctoral degree requirements by the time the award commences and normally be within five years from the completion of their doctoral degree,.

Award recipients must: 

  • Be engaged as a postdoctoral employee/trainee of the University of Toronto with an engagement end date of no less than 12 months from the award start (teaching hospital postdocs are not employees of the university); 

  • Be hired by an LDFP supervisor (primary appointment) ; 

  • Register and remain registered with the Postdoctoral Office at the School of Graduate Studies (SGS); and

  • Not hold a faculty position or be on leave from such position.

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion 

The Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy is strongly committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable academic environment. We recognize that diversity in perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds enriches research and innovation. As part of this commitment, we strongly encourage applications from individuals who identify as members of underrepresented groups, including but not limited to women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible minority communities, and members of sexual and gender minority groups. 

Our goal is to ensure that all qualified candidates have equal access to opportunities and resources that support their success. Applicants are invited to highlight any aspects of their experience or proposed research that contribute to advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion within the academic community. The Faculty values initiatives that promote inclusive research practices, broaden participation in scholarly activities, and address barriers faced by marginalized groups. 

Award Value and Duration 

The LDFP Postdoctoral Competitive Research Award (PCRA) provides a total funding amount of $10,000 for each successful applicant. This funding is intended to directly support the postdoctoral scholar’s independent research project and must be used in accordance with the guidelines outlined below.  The award is available for the full term of the postdoctoral engagement, which typically spans up to two years. The eligible and ineligible expenses include: 

Eligible Expenses 

  • Research consumables and materials 

  • Software and licenses 

  • Data collection and participant costs 

  • Research-related travel  

  • Publication costs  

Ineligible Expenses 

  • Salary top-ups  

  • General lab operating costs  

  • Capital equipment purchases without prior approval 

  • Professional development 

  • Conferences without prior approval 

The purpose of this award is to provide postdoctoral scholars with the autonomy and resources necessary to advance their research agenda, distinct from their supervisor’s program, while ensuring feasibility within the timeframe of their engagement. All expenditures must comply with University of Toronto financial policies and be processed through the appropriate divisional reimbursement mechanisms. 

Competition Deadline 

The LDFP Postdoctoral Competitive Research Award (PCRA) will be offered annually through the 2027/28 academic year. The application deadline for each competition cycle is March 12, 2026. If this date falls on a weekend or a statutory holiday, the deadline will automatically move to the next business day. 

All application packages must be received by 11:59 PM Eastern Time on the deadline date. Late submissions will not be accepted under any circumstances.  

Application Process 

To apply for the Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy Postdoctoral Competitive Research Award (PCRA), applicants must submit a complete application package by the competition deadline. All materials should be combined into a single PDF document and submitted via email to the designated contact. 

Your application must include the following: 

  1. Research Proposal (maximum 3 pages): 
         - Clearly state the objectives and significance of your proposed research. 
         - Describe the methodology and demonstrate feasibility within the award period. 
         - Explain how the project is distinct from your supervisor’s research program and will advance your independent research. 
         - Include an expected outcomes section and a knowledge mobilization plan outlining how results will be shared. 

  2. Bibliography (maximum 1 page): 
         - Provide references cited in your proposal using a consistent citation format. 

  3. Budget and Justification (maximum 2 pages): 
         - Detail how the $10,000 award will be allocated. 
         - Ensure all expenses align with the eligible cost categories outlined in the award guidelines. 

  4. Curriculum Vitae (CV) or Biosketch (maximum 5 pages): 
         - Highlight academic achievements, publications, and evidence of research independence. 

  5. Supervisor Letter of Support (maximum 2 pages): 
         - Confirm the supervisor’s commitment to providing resources and mentorship. 
         - Explain how the proposed research complements but remains independent from the supervisor’s program. 

  6. Proof of PhD Completion Date  
         - unofficial transcript or copy of diploma with date 

Submit your application to Sam D’Alfonso (sam.dalfonso@utoronto.ca). The document must be saved as one PDF file using the following naming convention: last_name_first_name-PRCR-Date. 

Review Committee 

A committee from within the Faculty of Pharmacy will be established to review all applications from members of the Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy.  Each LDFP Postdoctoral Competitive Research Award application will be reviewed and ranked by the committee. To be successful, applicants must write their applications for non-specialist reviewers. Applications written in a highly specialized or technical prose may receive a lower ranking.  It is expected that a decision will be rendered within 60 days of the application deadline.   

Evaluation Criteria 

Applications for the LDFP Postdoctoral Competitive Research Award (PCRA) will use the following weighted criteria. Each criterion is designed to ensure that awards are granted to candidates who demonstrate excellence, independence, and potential for impact. 

Criterion 

Weight 

Academic Excellence & Leadership – Reviewers will evaluate the applicant’s academic record, including publications, presentations, and other scholarly contributions. Evidence of research independence and intellectual leadership will be considered, such as the ability to conceptualize and execute projects beyond doctoral work. Strong indicators include high-quality publications, awards, and leadership roles in research collaborations. 

30% 

Quality & Independence of Proposal – The proposed research must be original, well-structured, and clearly articulated. Reviewers will assess whether the project demonstrates creativity and scholarly rigor, and whether it is distinct from the supervisor’s research program. The proposal should outline clear objectives, a sound methodology, and a compelling rationale for the research. 

30% 

Feasibility & Environment – The committee will consider whether the proposed research can realistically be completed within the award period. This includes evaluating the timeline, milestones, and access to necessary resources and facilities. The supervisor’s letter of support should confirm that the applicant will have the required infrastructure and mentorship to succeed. 

20% 

Impact & Career Trajectory – Reviewers will assess the potential of the proposed research to generate meaningful outcomes, such as publications, datasets, or knowledge mobilization activities. The committee will also consider how the project will advance the applicant’s career, positioning them for future faculty appointments or leadership roles in research-intensive environments. 

 

20% 

 

Research Excellence Postdoctoral Fellows Program

The Research Excellence Postdoctoral Fellows Program (REPFP) is a university-wide initiative launched in 2025 to strengthen postdoctoral recruitment, mentorship, and professional development across all three campuses. The program aims to position the University of Toronto as a leading destination for emerging independent scholars, supporting both research excellence and pathways to academic and research leadership careers. The program will support 100 postdoctoral fellows over two years. The program provides structured professional development, mentorship, and access to research resources to support transition to faculty or other research leadership roles.

Deadline

The deadline is February 17, 2026, by 11:59 pm EST.
 

Eligibility

This award is open to both domestic and international candidates. The following criteria are the institutional eligibility requirements for successful engagement as a Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy (LDFP) Research Excellence Postdoctoral Fellow. 

Candidates must: 

  • Be engaged as, or seeking a position as, a postdoctoral employee of the University of Toronto (teaching hospital postdocs are not employees of the university);
  • Have demonstrated academic excellence, proven capacity to conceptualize and execute independent research beyond their doctoral work, and evidence of intellectual leadership in their chosen field;
  • Expect to complete all doctoral degree requirements by the time the fellowship commences, and normally be within five years from the completion of their degree; 
  • Not have previously engaged in more than one postdoctoral appointment at the University of Toronto or elsewhere; and
  • Not have applied to the REPFP at more than one division.

*Note: Applications from scholars who are not already post-docs at LDFP or the University of Toronto more broadly, and/or who have earned their graduate degrees from institutions other than the University of Toronto, will receive priority consideration.*

Supervisors:

  • Proposed supervisors must have a tenured or tenure-track appointment at LDFP. 
  • Cannot be the applicant’s current or former Ph.D. supervisor. 
  • A faculty member with a primary budgetary appointment at LDFP should be the primary supervisor. Co-supervision, where a second supervisor is a faculty member at LDFP will be considered, although preference will be given to applications listing as primary supervisor, a faculty member who holds their budgetary appointment at LDFP. 
  • The proposed LDFP supervisor (primary or co-supervisor, if applicable) needs to hold a graduate faculty membership with a graduate unit at LDFP.  

Award Recipients must:

  • Have completed all degree requirements before the start of the fellowship;
  • Be engaged as a postdoctoral employee of the University of Toronto (teaching hospital postdocs are not employees of the university);
  • Be hired by an LDFP supervisor appointed to a graduate unit; the lab must be located at the University of Toronto;
  • Register and remain registered with the Postdoctoral Office at the School of Graduate Studies (SGS);
  • Not concurrently hold another major fellowship (if selected);
  • Not hold a faculty position or be on leave from such position during the fellowship term; and
  • Establish an Individual Development Plan (IDP) and submit it to the Postdoctoral Office at SGS within the first three months of the fellowship. The IDP should be reviewed annually and the revised copy sent to SGS.
  • Begin postdoctoral position within 12 months of the award letter (Fellowship Commence: April 1, 2026 to March 31, 2027*)

Value

$80,000 in salary per year (plus benefits) for up to two years of postdoctoral research, plus an additional $10,000 in annual independent research funding.  Total cost breakdown: ~60% - Institutional Funds & ~40% - P.I. Supervisory Grant. 

The structure of the award is as follows:

  • The postdoctoral employee is hired at a salary rate of $80,000 per year for two years.
  • An additional $10,000 in funding is provided annually for independent research; and
  • Sufficient funds to cover the annual employer costs; e.g., in 2025, this includes an annual salary increase payable at a rate of 1.8%, the Standard Benefit Rate (SBR) at 10.5% and the PDF Levy, payable at a rate of 7.75%.
  • The total value of this award is structured as follows: 60% is provided through institutional support, while the remaining 40% is funded via the Principal Investigator's supervisory grant. 

Application Requirements

1. Secure a Supervisor 

To identify a potential supervisor please see the following link on our website:

https://www.pharmacy.utoronto.ca/faculty 

A supervisor must agree to offer you a Postdoctoral position before you can submit an application for the REPFP. Once you have found a researcher with whom you would like to work you need to e-mail them directly. Your e-mail should include the following: 

  • Attach your CV
  • Specifically address the work they are doing and explain why you would like to work in their group. 
  • Give examples of your previous experience and skills and explain why it would help their research. 
  • Explain what you would like to learn working in their research group.

2. Complete the application form (Link below) to which you will upload items 3, 4, 5, and 6 listed below. 

3. Independent Research Proposal from the Candidate (Max two pages, plus up to two additional pages for references/citations) 

  • The independent research proposal should clearly articulate how the proposed work represents a significant departure from or advancement beyond your doctoral research. The proposal should also outline the anticipated long-term impact of the research, including how it contributes to the field and aligns with U of T’s strategic research priorities.

4. Learning Statement from the Candidate (Max 1 page)

  • The statement should describe your professional, academic, and extracurricular experiences/achievements and how these contribute to your learning success and ability to develop and implement an independent research plan (1/2 page); and
  • How the learning you expect to acquire will contribute to your productivity and to the research goals you hope to achieve. Indicate why you decided upon the proposed learning location and what you expect to learn from the learning experience (1/2 page).

5. Supervisor's Statement

  • Describe the complementarity between the research interests/background of the supervisor and candidate, how the proposed research complements the supervisor’s ongoing projects and/or new research directions, and the anticipated mutual benefits; this includes how the collaboration will support the candidate’s transition to research independence and long-term career success.
  • Reveal information specific to the field of study (e.g., benchmarks of excellence, publication norms/standards/practices, impact factor of research contributions) that would otherwise not be known outside the discipline.
  • Provide details regarding the candidate’s proposed research environment, clearly stating the supervisor’s and graduate unit’s commitment. Examples of commitment include (but are not limited to) mentorship, opportunities for collaboration, dissemination, and/or knowledge translation, resources (e.g., funding, facilities, personnel) that will be available to support the candidate as they carry out their proposed research; and how these resources will enable the candidate to establish a sustainable, independent research program.
  • Illustrate the supervisor’s commitment to the applicant’s academic and professional trajectory and development of an independent research program, clearly indicating the resources and/or mentoring activities that are available through the learning environment to support career development.

6. Candidate's C.V. (No page restriction)

  • NIH Biosketch format recommended. 

*All documents must be prepared in PDF, single-spaced Times New Roman 12-point font, including citations, if applicable, with 2.5cm margins.
**Postdoctoral Fellows are required to secure a supervisor before submitting this application.

How to Apply

Interested candidates can submit their applications using the link below. For additional information, contact Sam D'Alfonso at sam.dalfonso@utoronto.ca.

                     Apply Here

 

Schwartz Reisman Fellowships

The Schwartz Reisman Institute for Technology and Society (SRI) is pleased to announce its 2026 call for graduate fellowships, open to University of Toronto graduate students whose work explores the social impacts of new technologies.

We encourage applications from scholars investigating issues at the intersection of advanced technologies and society through interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary approaches, as well as those with an emerging interest in these areas. Graduate fellowships provide $7,500 in support over one year, with an opportunity to renew as an affiliate.

For more information and to apply, please visit our website.

Application deadline: February 8, 2026, 23:59 ET

About the Schwartz Reisman Institute
The Schwartz Reisman Institute for Technology and Society supports and integrates world-class research across sectors and disciplines to deepen our understanding of advanced technologies, law, institutions, regulatory structures, and social values. The integrative research we conduct rethinks technology’s role in society, the contemporary needs of human communities, and the systems that govern them. We are investigating how best to align technology with human values, and deploy it responsibly. In doing so we seek to support existing fields of inquiry as well as to identify and nurture new research agendas by introducing researchers to the concepts and framing used by different disciplines to analyze problems.

Questions?
Contact us directly at sri.research@utoronto.ca.